It’s no secret: we’re wellness-obsessed. We love experimenting with trendsetting products, experiences, and rituals—we call this market research. However, we also know there’s a difference between practical, holistic wellness habits and drastic, unrealistic fads. Typically, what floods social media is the latter. At the end of the day, we want to think long-lasting (and ideally, science-backed)—as opposed to what’s in vogue. Without further ado, let’s bid farewell to a few 2022 wellness trends. And because January is around the corner, these are the wellness trends expected to make waves in 2023.
Featured image by Teal Thomsen.
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What is wellness?
At its core, wellness is hard to define. It means different things to different people—and for good reason. It’s a holistic conversation that involves multiple dimensions. Think: emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. Many definitions of wellness also consider it to be something we actively engage in. In other words, wellness is not simply a state of being, but the pursuit of health in the aforementioned areas. As such, when we practice healthy habits, we’re pursuing wellness. As you look to 2023, how do you want to approach your wellness routine? What areas of your well-being need more nurturing? More discipline? More ease?
2022 Wellness Trends Worth Keeping
Depending on who you ask, 2022 was a year of growth, reckoning, or a literal doozy. While pandemic restrictions eased, the world re-emerged to record inflation, and a war in Ukraine shook us to our core. And now, we’re facing a myriad of economic headwinds (among other things). All of that to say, 2022 also brought interesting wellness trends. Some we’re thankful for, others we can bid farewell. In our humble opinion, below are six trends worth keeping.
1. Supporting Your Lymphatic Health
Dry brushing, body scraping, and gua sha have roots much deeper than 2022, but they took social media by a storm early last year. All of these wellness practices center on the same concept: promoting the circulation of a colorless, watery fluid (called lymph) which ferries white blood cells to and from the body’s organs and transports waste from cells and tissues. Body scraping therapy, in particular, aids in breaking down scar tissue that results from trauma or overuse. We have no plans to stop booking our lymphatic drainage massages in 2023—an advanced form of massage that aims to stimulate the lymphatic system to remove congestion and stagnation from within the body.
2. Sound Healing
While sound has fascinated humans for millennia, auditory experiences—like sound baths and psychoacoustics—were popularized in 2022. From personalized soundscapes powered by artificial intelligence to a renewed interest in ancient techniques, we’re here to bathe in relaxing, transformative sounds in 2023.
3. Investing In Spiritual Self-Care
In the past, astrology, tarot, and medium readings have been relegated to dark, moody shops—off the beaten path and not the most accessible. But as more people, particularly young people, look beyond organized religion for answers to life’s biggest questions, these previously esoteric approaches are gaining mass appeal. If you began your spiritual awakening in 2022, we love that for you. Use it to propel you forward, helping you respond to setbacks, trust your path, and feel supported through life’s ebbs and flows.
4. Tending To Your Skin’s Microbiome
Over time, we’ve come to understand the power and influence of the human microbiome (ahem, gut health). The world of organisms that live in—and on—you is either hindering or supporting your overall health. In 2023, hone in on how care for your microbiome. Particularly, keep your skin’s microbiome at the forefront. As the largest and most visible organ, the skin not only gives clues into what’s happening beneath the surface, but it’s the body’s first line of defense. Said differently: prioritize what you’re putting on your skin in 2023. Oh, and don’t forget to add fermented foods to your plate.
5. Balancing Hormones, Naturally
In 2022, we saw an uproar in women questioning birth control’s side effects, getting to the root cause of their PCOS and more. One thing is clear: hormone health is top of mind, and we’ll hear more of it in 2023. Balancing hormones naturally—via methods like cycle syncing and seed cycling—are here to stay for female hormone health. Red light therapy (which we saw across Instagram stories in 2022), isn’t going anywhere. Low-level red wavelengths are known to treat a variety of issues like skin conditions, insomnia, and hormonal imbalance.
6. Questioning Product Transparency
Be it supplements, beauty products, or packaged foods, we are waking up to hidden toxins and chemicals. In addition to more straightforward formulas, consumers will expect brands to be transparent (as in, confirm supply chains, ingredient origins, etc.) In 2023, you’ll also hear more chatter about microplastics in our products—and what companies are doing to minimize them. Furthermore, we’re gearing up for a more sustainable beauty future. Certification techniques are changing, too. For example, did you know that most fish oil supplements are spiked with cheaper fishes but still pass EPA and DHA potency testing? That’s why transparency is paramount. In the meantime, we like using the Environmental Working Group to empower our health choices.
2022 Wellness Trends We’re Leaving In The Dust
So, what are the wellness trends we can probably do without in 2023? We’ll happily ditch the following:
Weight-Loss Shots
Ozempic and Wegovy—two weight-loss injections that are used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity—are hot commodities, even among people without those conditions. Though the drugs are considered safe for the specific populations for which they’re intended, possible side effects include pancreatitis, changes in vision, low blood sugar, and kidney and gallbladder problems. If weight loss is a goal of yours in 2022, consider a more practical route, like getting your blood sugar in check, creating a daily movement goal, and cutting back on processed foods.
Quiet Quitting
The conversation about quiet quitting got loud in 2022. This now-ubiquitous term refers to doing the bare minimum at work, rather than going above and beyond. Instead, focus on setting healthy boundaries and communicating burnout to your boss. Otherwise, get curious about another professional path that better suits your needs and talents.
‘What I Eat In A Day’ Videos
A pasture-raised omelet with organic blueberries and an espresso shot for breakfast. A dainty salad with avocado for lunch. Wild salmon, asparagus, and cauliflower rice for dinner. Welcome to the 15-second highlight reel of what a wellness influencer ate over the course of a day. Such videos have been viewed more than 14 billion times on TikTok. Unfortunately, they often promote unrealistic expectations and an unhealthy body image.
Melatonin
It’s time for a shift in how we think about melatonin. People think it replaces their bad sleep hygiene, and it can quickly become a handy crutch for counteracting late nights spent scrolling social media. But remember: a pill doesn’t replace a lifestyle. Instead, get specific about your nighttime routine and the foods you’re eating before bed.
Our Predicted 2023 Wellness Trends
With 2022 coming to an end, it’s time to switch up your wellness routine—or parts of it, anyway! Here are a few 2023 wellness trends we’re particularly excited about. We aren’t fortune tellers (unfortunately), but we do have an ear for what’s up and coming. Pinterest does, too.
Continuous Glucose Monitors
Move over, BMI—we’re ready for true markers of metabolic health. This upcoming year, there will be a huge movement to take personalized steps toward optimized metabolic health. After all, your metabolism isn’t your fate. Metabolic efficiency and optimization are possible. Keep an eye out for continuous glucose monitors, from companies like Levels and Nutrisense. These wearable devices help you take your energy, body composition, and long-term health into your own hands. Ultimately, wearables like the Oura Ring will continue to gain traction. We are becoming more informed of how rest, recovery, and sleep impact our day-to-day lives—and there’s no going back.
Low-Intensity Training
#HotGirlWalks took center stage during the pandemic. We finally realized we can move our bodies, feel good, and yield results without putting ourselves through constant high-intensity training. In 2023, expect to see forms of lower-intensity movement (in person!) continue to center the conversation. Steady walks, mat work, pilates, and mobility exercises pave the path. Strength training and resistance training for longevity are here to stay, too.
Hot And Cold Therapy
Move over, massage guns. Sauna blankets and cold plunges are going to be our recovery tools of choice in the new year. The industry for hot and cold therapy is just heating up, and trust us—you’ll want to dive in. The benefits are a dime a dozen. In fact, they’re considered good stressors for the body. While hot and cold therapy were previously reserved for professional athletes and doctor’s offices, devices such as sauna blankets, at-home infrared saunas, cold plunges, and cold therapy machines are blowing the recovery space out of the water. We should see them become more accessible (dare we say mainstream) in 2023.
Digital Detox
It’s no surprise that social media burnout is on the rise. We’re starting to realize that taking social media breaks and disconnecting from technology—on a regular basis—is not only therapeutic but also practical as a self-care goal. Simple practices like putting your phone on Do Not Disturb mode, muting social media notifications, and reverting to traditional alarm clocks are becoming increasingly popular. In 2023, let’s embrace more JOMO (joy of missing out) when it comes to social media. Life outside our phones is calling.
Regenerative Farming
With sustainable goals in mind, we predict that regenerative agriculture will take center stage next year. Fairtrade predicts an expanded focus on regenerative agriculture in 2023. More and more brands will work with farmers to implement eco-friendly farming practices.
But, what is regenerative farming? Also known as regenerative ag, it’s a conservation and rehabilitation approach to farming. It focuses on topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, and more. In essence, a key component of this type of agriculture is the diversification of crops and plants on the same plot of land. Add Kiss The Ground to your end-of-year movie marathon.
Movement Snacks
Furthermore, we’re shifting the way we integrate fitness. More studies are confirming the benefits of breaking up your exercise regimen into smaller movement snacks. Need inspo? Joe Holder is the king of “exercise snacks.” Others are calling this “primal movement.” At any rate, these shorter bouts of exercise are helpful for many reasons: blood sugar stability, more frequent endorphin rushes, and less pressure to carve out a chunk of your day to move.
Sea Plants
Americans are waking up to the deliciousness (and health benefits!) of eating seaweed and algae—ingredients enjoyed regularly in Japanese, Korean, and other cultures around the world. Sea greens are packed with minerals and vitamins, along with phytochemicals and antioxidants. These help protect cells against free radicals and inflammation. You’ve probably heard of kelp, nori, and spirulina, and you’ll be hearing more of them in 2023. Consider them next year’s superfoods, hailing from the ocean.
Sober Curioisty
The alcohol-free beverage industry is taking on a life of its own. More and more people are looking to cut down (or stop, entirely) their alcohol consumption. Modern scientists are more than ready. Kind of like lab-made meat, these carefully crafted formulas are designed not just to provide an alternative to the original, but a close replication. We’re keeping our eye on this booze-free gin, alcohol-free tequila, Grüvi’s Non-Alcoholic Bubbly Rosé, and even bevvies infused with CBD. Plan your 2023 cocktail parties with some options to be sober in style.
More Mushrooms
We’ve been touting the benefits of reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga for years, but the popularity and health benefits of exotic mushrooms is on the rise. You can’t really go wrong with a portobello, but it’s worth branching out in 2023. You’ll start seeing mushrooms in very unexpected places, like the Doseology Wake Tincture or this Hekate Lemon-Lime Sports Drink Mix. Swap your typical morning brew for mushroom coffee and cocoa this year.